Reader: We Are Losing Denver's Great Eateries

Denver is losing its old-school red-sauce joints. The latest to throw in the towel? Dino's Italian Food, which has been serving at 10040 West Colfax Avenue for almost six decades, growing from a small storefront to a sprawling, 240-seat restaurant.

But Dino's is closing at the end of September, the owner revealed earlier this month. The rambling Lakewood restaurant was founded by Dino Dipaolo, and his daughter, Judy Duren, still runs it. When we profiled her place a year ago, she said that she had no plans to close, but also told us: "I think we're a dying breed. Independent restaurant owners are a dying breed. You can't afford to do it anymore."

There is more competition these days. Plus, with the increased costs of doing business, you've got to be savvy to make the numbers work. Some restaurants have closed because the owners could sell the real estate and make money.

Explains Kurt:

The reason they're closing is because their equipment is so old that their cost of operations is higher than their profit, and to update everything to be energy-efficient would cost them so much it would put them out of business. So it's kind of a lose-lose for them. I'm hoping in two years or so we'll see a Dino's Takeout place pop up.

Remarks Jeff:

I see more independents than I used to. Just seems like they care more about the food than the national chains.

Counters Daryl:

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Unfortunately, we are losing great eateries and they are replaced with horrible food.

Since Dino's announced its final day, the place has been packed, and according to Duren, the kitchen can barely keep up with food production. (Everything is made fresh and never frozen.) "I think we're feeding all of Kansas and Wyoming," she says. "I think it's a great tribute to Dino, but it's been pretty crazy."

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